Xiaoxiao.

Penglou is no ordinary building; it is a vast manor. It would not be an exaggeration to call it a slightly smaller city, given its truly enormous size.

Spanning half the county town, it appeared perfectly normal from the outside, and the guards at the gate did not seem particularly elite.

Only the manor walls stood tall, nearly three zhang high, comparable to the county town walls.

However, this was not beyond the bounds of propriety, since it was located outside the city.

As night fell, the sky was as black as ink. A cool night breeze stirred up fallen autumn leaves, creating a faint rustling sound in the pitch-black night, adding an eerie touch to the already silent night.

Kuang Zheng and his two companions appeared silently outside the Penglou courtyard wall like cats. With a leap, the three of them easily jumped onto the wall. In a flash, they disappeared in different directions.

Zhang Zhen arrived at the entrance of Penglou, his previous arrogance completely gone. He was now very respectful to the guards, but they remained indifferent.

After much persuasion, a guard finally gave a curt "Wait a moment" and went inside to report.

"Thank you so much, thank you so much!" Zhang Zhen said repeatedly.

Before long, the man led him inside, and Zhang Zhen thanked him repeatedly.

The journey was winding and circuitous, until we finally arrived at a courtyard.

Two men stood at the door. Upon seeing him arrive, they did not question him but went straight inside to announce his arrival.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Zhang Zhen was finally allowed to enter. As soon as he entered, Zhang Zhen bowed deeply and said, "This humble servant greets the Left Envoy!" Facing a curtain, he respectfully prostrated himself on the ground, kneeling and not daring to overstep his bounds.

"Enough! What brings you here in the dead of night?" Zhang Zhen was almost stiff with rage when he heard a withered voice that seemed to come from a grave.

"Thank you, Left Envoy. I have no choice but to come and disturb you at this late hour. I am truly guilty of disturbing your peaceful cultivation!" Zhang Zhen said tremblingly.

"Alright, enough with the pretty words. A few words are enough. Saying too much just sounds hypocritical, and it gets tiresome to hear too much. Let's get down to business!" the Left Envoy said impatiently.

"Yes, I know my crime. My loyalty to you, sir, is as clear as the sun and the moon. I've come here tonight because a new magistrate has arrived in Xiubei County. This man's origins are unknown, yet he has successively killed those deserted border soldiers and the 'Evil Ghosts Eighteen' whom I sent out. I'm worried that this man will ruin the Left Envoy's important plans, so I've come to report this late at night!" Zhang Zhen said.

"Oh? He even killed 'Evil Ghost Eighteen'? How many people did he bring with him to take up his post?" the Left Envoy asked curiously.

"Only Yao Shuanglin's son from this county accompanied them. Although his son, Yao Changqing, was somewhat skilled in martial arts, he had been seriously injured by the fleeing border troops that day. The coachman who accompanied them also died that day."

The subordinate dispatched "Evil Ghost Eighteen" the following day, and also sent out spies that night.

"But by the early morning of the third day, the eighteen men still hadn't returned. The scouts who had been guarding outside the county government all night didn't hear any fighting coming from inside. Only the newly arrived magistrate stayed at the county government that night, and as for whether he had anyone backing him up, I really had no idea," Zhang Zhen explained in detail.

"Oh? So this new magistrate came prepared!" the Left Envoy said thoughtfully.

"What is the magistrate's name? What school or sect does he belong to?" the Left Envoy pressed on.

"I deserve to die a thousand deaths. I have gone through countless hardships and inquired everywhere, but I still could not find out anything about this person. I only know that his name is Kuang Zheng, and he is about fifteen or sixteen years old. Judging from his accent, he is from the capital, and the official seal he carries was issued by the Prefectural Magistrate, Qin Chuanxi. As for other information, I know nothing. I deserve to die a thousand deaths," Zhang Zhen said tremblingly.

"You truly deserve to die! A mere county magistrate, do you think you're some kind of noblewoman? You can't even handle this small matter properly, who else but you deserves to die?" The Left Envoy was furious.

"I deserve to die a thousand deaths, I deserve to die a thousand deaths. I beg Your Excellency to have mercy, have mercy!" Zhang Zhen kowtowed repeatedly.

The Left Envoy fell silent. Some documents could be vaguely seen being handed over from behind the curtain, followed by the rustling sound of papers being turned over.

"Hmm? You said that person's name is Kuang Zheng, and he's only fifteen or sixteen years old?" the Left Envoy suddenly asked.

“Indeed, Your Excellency. According to the official document sent by Wu’an County, this person is sixteen years old and is from Xianyang,” Zhang Zhen replied.

"Understood, you may leave!" "Yes, sir, I take my leave!" Zhang Zhen felt as if he had been granted a pardon. After being driven out, the Left Envoy hurriedly got up and walked quickly inside.

After another series of twists and turns, the Left Envoy arrived at another courtyard.

Unlike his residence, this courtyard was more secluded and tranquil, and covered a much larger area.

Someone had already gone in to announce his arrival, and as soon as he arrived at the door, someone welcomed him inside.

"...I heard that the man's name is Kuang Zheng, and he is about the same age as the missing captain of the Great Qin Dragon Flame, so I came here to report to the Hall Master," the Left Envoy said.

"Hmm? Could there be a mistake? That person went deep into the wilderness and has been missing for over three years," the man called the hall master questioned.

“I dare not make a hasty conclusion, which is why I have come to report this. I know that the Master is currently planning something important, and I am afraid that this person will come and disrupt the Master’s grand plan, which is why I am hesitant,” the Left Envoy said.

"I understand. You've worked hard these past few days. You'll join the inner hall tomorrow. Do your best," the hall master said.

"Thank you, Master Xie! I, Li Dezhi, am willing to serve you with utmost loyalty!" Li Dezhi was overjoyed.

Originally, Penglou was like a majestic mountain, divided into an outer gate and an inner hall, and people like Li Dezhi were like an unattainable sky in the eyes of those on the outside.

However, within Penglou, the status of these outer disciples was far beyond what even Zhang Zhen could attain.

The inner hall is the core of Penglou; only by stepping into the inner hall can one truly become a member of Penglou.

Li Dezhi had dedicated himself to Penglou for nearly thirty years, but he never expected that he would have the opportunity to enter the inner hall as he approached his twilight years. How could he not be overjoyed?

After Li Dezhi left, the hall master also got up and went to another pavilion.

This pavilion is quite different from the previous courtyard; it has a poetic and picturesque name—"Jinghong" (惊鸿).

The hall master waited quietly at the door for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before someone finally led him inside.

Upon entering, the first thing that catches the eye is a wall painting as clear as a mirror, and behind the wall painting is an extremely spacious training ground.

In the very center of the training ground stands a magnificent hall, above which hangs a long scroll depicting landscapes, flowers, and birds.

In front of the painting, there was a huge long table with two armchairs neatly arranged on either side.

Surrounding the training ground were rows of neat houses, but their tightly closed doors were like a mysterious veil, preventing anyone from seeing the interior.

The hall master stood on one side of the courtyard. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a man slowly walked out from behind the courtyard.

He was dressed in a pure white brocade robe, with his hands behind his back.

He was tall and slender, like a jade tree in the wind; with a straight nose like an eagle, sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, he looked like an immortal descended to earth.

"What a lively evening! Friends outside, why not come in and have a cup of tea with us?" the man said to Ye Kong with a smile.

Upon hearing this, the hall master broke out in a cold sweat. He had been completely unaware that someone was secretly following him like a shadow.

"Hehe... I just happened to be thirsty. Do you have any good tea?" Wu Ren swaggered out.

"So it's Deputy Captain Wu of Longyan! What an honored guest! Wang Sheng, quickly fetch my treasured 'Jade in a Cup.' Legend has it that Deputy Captain Wu is a tea connoisseur, so using 'Jade in a Cup' as a substitute is truly a perfect match! Hehe..." the man said, and Wang Sheng hurriedly bowed and agreed.

"It seems I underestimated the heroes of the world. I never expected that a little-known Penglou would have heard of my name? And they even possess the legendary first immortal tea, Jade in a Cup, which has long been extinct. It seems they have a deep foundation! Besides, shouldn't I have died three years ago? Hehe..." Wu Ren laughed.

"Not at all. They're just a few withered leaves, nothing more than that. And my Penglou is nothing more than a humble abode in the mountains, hardly a powerful force. Besides, it's said in the martial world that the Great Qin only has an iron-blooded army, not a carefree martial world."

We are not some powerful sect that commands respect in the martial arts world; we just have some friends in various places.

Captain Wu must have left the wilderness three years ago, right? Hehehe..." After saying that, the man made a gesture to offer tea.

It was truly a rare and excellent tea. The tea leaves, steeped in boiling water, resembled blooming lotus flowers, vying for beauty in the white jade porcelain bowl.

The pale green tea liquor was as pure and elegant as jade. A delicate fragrance wafted slowly from the cup, like silk threads, lingering for a long time.

Its shape, color, and aroma truly deserve the beautiful name of "Jade in a Cup".

"Excellent tea! Excellent tea!" Wu Ren exclaimed. "Oh, oh, oh! Look, look. After drinking such fine tea, we haven't even asked the host's name yet!" Wu Ren said.

"It was my oversight. I hope you will not hesitate to enlighten me," Qingxian said.

"Qingxian? He's actually Qingxian, the most renowned Sword Sect Master under the Yellow Crane Tower Master, one of the Nine Towers of Penglou? My apologies for my lack of respect!" Wu Ren exclaimed in surprise.

“Deputy Captain Wu knows so much about our Penglou. It’s truly rare to find someone who knows that Penglou was divided into nine!” Qingxian said.

“Really? Then I also know that your Penglou not only has nine stories, but is also divided into upper, middle and lower floors. Your Yellow Crane Tower and Lingyun Tower are famous and at their zenith, which must be because they are always in the public eye, right? As for Tengwang Tower, Yueyang Tower and Tianmen, they are the most mysterious, which must be the legendary upper three floors, right?” Wu Ren said.

"It seems that Deputy Captain Wu had been plotting against our Penglou for a long time," Qingxian said.

"What makes you say that? I have no ill intentions towards you whatsoever! Hehe..." Wu Ren said.

"Hehe... If you mean no harm, why are you dressed like this, and why are you here so late at night?" Qingxian didn't want to argue with him anymore.

"Uh...would you believe me if I said I took the wrong turn?" Wu Ren said innocently.

"Well, you've taken the wrong path. It's true what they say, you choose the path to hell when there's one. Enough talk, take him down!" With Qingxian's order, the Penglou, which had been as silent as a dead zone, suddenly burst into bright light.

Countless burly men wielding sharp blades surged in from all directions like a tide, surrounding Wu Ren without a word.

In an instant, swords clashed and arrows rained down. Wu Ren was surrounded in the blink of an eye, but these people were all no match for him.

Wu Ren moved through the crowd with ease, thoroughly enjoying himself: "Sect Leader Qingxian, you were all so amicable just a moment ago, how come you've suddenly turned on me? Even if you want to stretch my muscles, send someone more capable! What's the point of sending these good-for-nothings? Utterly boring!"

In a single exchange, over a hundred burly men collapsed to the ground.

In a single encounter, Qingxian's men were completely wiped out.

If Wu Ren hadn't shown mercy, those lying on the ground would probably be corpses by now.

"Wang Sheng, quickly set up the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Formation!" Qingxian roared hoarsely.

"Yes, sir!" Wang Sheng shouted as if thunder had struck, and shot into the sky like an arrow released from a bow.

At the same time, another thirty-five figures also flew into the air like birds.

They all held long swords, their left legs slightly bent, standing like statues.

Their eyes were slightly closed, and they were muttering incantations, as if communicating with heaven and earth.

Each person stood in their designated spot, and suddenly, it seemed as if a mysterious and powerful connection had formed between them.

The momentum of the thirty-six men was like a surging wave, growing ever stronger with time.

Originally, they were just ordinary acquired masters, but with the support of the formation, each of them exuded an unparalleled aura like that of innate masters!

In the blink of an eye, a loud "whoosh!" was heard. The thirty-six people seemed to be one, like a giant sword descending from the sky, slashing down with earth-shattering power!

"Hehe... Not bad, not bad! Finally, it has some force that makes people feel itchy." Wu Ren put away his playful smile, and then he clenched his fist and punched the Heavenly Gang Formation that descended from the sky as steadily as Mount Tai.

"Boom..." This punch was like an earth dragon turning over, causing the sky to collapse and the earth to crack. The ground where Wu Ren was standing was pressed down by an inch.

Looking at the Heavenly Gang Formation again, it had been easily broken like clay chickens and earthenware dogs, and the thirty-six people who set up the formation were now rolling on the ground like gourds, their fate unknown.

"Give me your life!" In an instant, Qingxian leaped up like a volcanic eruption.

The vajra in his hand was like a roaring dragon, baring its fangs and claws as it lunged straight at Wu Ren. Wherever the vajra passed, it created ripples and faintly produced a sound like thunder from the heavens.

The sound of "clang..." was like a resounding bell, deafeningly loud.

Wu Ren, bare-handed, dodged the blow with a ghostly movement, easily deflecting what felt like a mountain crushing an egg.

Immediately afterwards, he landed lightly like a swallow, his feet skimming the water on the vajra, leaping up like a dragonfly skimming the water, aiming straight for Qingxian's face.

Immediately afterwards, a flying kick came like a storm, aiming to smash his head to pieces.

This attack, though powerful as a thunderbolt, failed to achieve its intended effect. Instead, the opponent seized the opportunity to exploit the opening.

When I looked again, the opponent's iron foot had already struck my face like lightning.

This sudden attack terrified Qingxian. He frantically flung away the iron pestle, rolled on the spot like a startled rabbit, and dodged away in a sorry state.

A searing pain shot through his ears, as if a million ants were gnawing at them. He rolled two or three meters before scrambling to his feet in a panic.

When I reached out and touched it, the pain in my left ear was excruciating, as if it had been pierced by thousands of steel needles at the same time.

Looking at his hand, he saw it covered in sticky, large patches of blood, a horrifying sight like a scarlet sunset. A wave of fear washed over him; if he hadn't dodged quickly, it wouldn't have been his ear that had been kicked to pieces, but his head.

"Kill! Kill him!" The intense pain devoured Qingxian's rationality like a demon. He roared hoarsely, and his men, upon hearing their sect leader's order, surrounded him fearlessly like hungry tigers pouncing on their prey.

It started as a brutal scene of life and death fighting. Wu Ren was so annoyed by the constant entanglement that his killing intent gradually rose like wildfire.

In an instant, shouts of battle resounded like a tidal wave, as if to tear the entire world apart.

Just as everyone was rushing forward like a tidal wave, Qingxian slipped away stealthily like a ghost.

However, how could all of this escape the sharp eyes of Kuang Zheng, as keen as those of a hawk?

Just as he was about to make his move, Wu Ren's body suddenly rippled like the surface of a disturbed lake.

"Oh no!" Kuang Zheng thought to himself.

With a leap as light as a bird, he vanished from the spot like a shooting star.

Immediately afterwards, Wu Ren, who was still wreaking havoc, also vanished like smoke.

It wasn't until the time it takes to drink a cup of tea that the chaotic crowd snapped out of their daze and realized that their opponent had vanished without a trace.

So everyone hurriedly cleaned up the mess on the ground. After all that work, Penglou had suffered a heavy loss.

The sect leader has disappeared without a trace, Hall Master Wang Sheng died on the battlefield, and the entire army of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Generals was wiped out.

Eight out of ten of the disciples left. Li Dezhi, who had just joined the sect, didn't even have time to enjoy the beauty of the world before he died.

Although the loss was only a minor branch, Penglou had never suffered such a huge loss since its founding.

Even more troublesome is the fact that the fate of the sect leader in charge is unknown, and his whereabouts are a mystery.

The remaining people were like headless flies, not even knowing where to go next. Because of their secrecy, these survivors were like a lone boat lost in a vast ocean, unable to find any organization to rely on.